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To the editor:
The County Park District Board of Commissioners has placed a .35 mill levy on the November 8th ballot. This is a new tax which is needed for the operation and maintenance of County Parks. It will cost the homeowner of a home valued at $100,000 approximately $12.25 per year.
The County Park District was created by the County Commissioners in 1974. The District received its first property, Scenic Vista Park, in 1976. In 1999, the District was asked to take on the building of the Little Beaver Creek Greenway Trail. Hellbender Bluff Park was established in 2008 and opened in 2011. These three parks are the backbone of county park system.
The best known of these is the Greenway Trail. Attracting thousands of visitors per year, this trail is a major destination in our county. The trail is now 22 years old and showing signs of age. Culverts need replaced and portions need to be re-surfaced.
Scenic Vista Park has been enjoyed by residents for many years -- but has become increasingly popular since the installation of a disc golf course in 2018. Hellbender Bluff Park's trails, with newly-improved trail markers, make it a favorite hiking area for many county residents.
Parks add to the quality of life. Outdoor recreation is vital for our health and well-being. County parks are OUR parks. They provide us with opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.
The Park District does not now and never has received county general funds for operations. We receive $15,000 per year from Local Government Funds (state funds). In 2011 we received funds from a gas lease. Those monies are running out.
The passage of this levy is essential for the future of the County Park District. Without it, we will no longer be able to maintain the bike trail or the other properties. With it, we can not only maintain but also make improvements to our park system. We have adopted a 5-year strategic plan to guide our work-- available for review at our website.
Please vote FOR the future of OUR parks. Vote FOR the County Park Levy.
Eileen Dray-Bardon,
Chairman,
Columbiana Co. Park District Board of Commissioners